If you want to distinguish your goods, services (or both) from those of another business, you may need a trade mark. Find out what trade marks are and what’s involved in the application and management process.

If you are a self filer, attorney or a Qualified Person (QP) –this is the place to find our examination manuals, FAQs, case studies, search tools and more to help you further understand and research intellectual property.

Do I need a patent?

Have you invented something new (a world first)? Your invention must be new, it must involve an inventive step and it must differ in some way from existing technology.

No

This could reduce your ability to get a patent.

No

This could reduce your ability to get a patent.

Yes

Yes

2

Are you sure it's new?

Conduct an initial internet and patent search to see if there is already anything available online.

No

This could reduce your ability to get a patent.

Yes

4

Could it be a commercial product?

Above all, a patent is a commercial tool. If you don’t think you will be able to make money from your invention, there may be little point in going to the time and expense of securing a patent.

No

This could reduce the value in getting a patent.

Yes

Yes

3

Have you kept it secret?

You might not be able to secure a patent if you have already disclosed your invention to others. This could include selling your product, publishing details about it on social media or in a journal or demonstrating it at trade shows.

No

This could reduce your ability to get a patent.

No

This could reduce your ability to get a patent.

Yes

3

Have you kept it secret?

You might not be able to secure a patent if you have already disclosed your invention to others. This could include selling your product, publishing details about it on social media or in a journal or demonstrating it at trade shows..

No

This could reduce your ability to get a patent.

No

This could reduce your ability to get a patent.

Yes

Yes

4

Could it be a commercial product?

Above all, a patent is a commercial tool. If you don’t think you will be able to make money from your invention, there may be little point in going to the time and expense of securing a patent.

No

This could reduce your ability to get a patent.

Yes

5

Are you equipped to make money from your invention?

Securing a patent is only part of the process of turning an idea into a commercial product. If you don’t have the funds or expertise to do this on your own, then you might want to licence the idea or partner with someone else instead of seeking a patent on your own.